Resin-based lighting fixtures and methods of forming the same

ABSTRACT

Resin-based lighting fixtures provide both light and a desirable aesthetic. The resin-based lighting fixtures include a plurality of propellers having curved resin strips that at least partially conceal a light source. The resin strips can form any number of aesthetically pleasing configurations, such as, for example, a blossom. The resin strips can be transparent or translucent. When lit, the light source can illuminate the resin strips.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/653,288, filed Oct. 16, 2012, which is a 35 U.S.C. §371 U.S.National Stage of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/34358, filed onApr. 28, 2011, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/330,196, filed Apr. 30, 2010. The entire content ofeach of the foregoing patent applications is incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

Implementations of the present invention relate to decorative resinlighting fixtures.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Recent trends in building design involve using one or more sets ofdecorative panels to add to the functional and/or aestheticcharacteristics of a given structure or design space. These recenttrends are due, at least in part, because there is sometimes moreflexibility with how the given panel (or set of panels) is designed,compared with the original structure. For example, recent panelmaterials include synthetic, polymeric resin materials, which can beformed as panels to be used as partitions, walls, barriers, treatments,décor, etc.

In particular, the use of resin materials is becoming increasinglypopular in sculptural and lighting applications. In general, resinmaterials such as these are now popular compared with decorative cast orlaminated glass materials, since resin materials may be manufactured tobe more resilient and to have a similar transparent, translucent, ordecorative appearance as cast or laminated glass, but with less cost. Inaddition, resin materials tend to be more flexible in terms ofmanufacture and assembly because they can be relatively easily bent,molded, colored, shaped, cut, and otherwise modified in a variety ofdifferent ways. Decorative resins can also provide more flexibilitycompared with glass and other conventional materials at least in termsof color, degree of texture, gauge, and impact resistance. Additionally,decorative resins have a fairly wide utility since they may be formed toinclude a large variety of colors, images, interlayers, and shapes.

Unfortunately, some lighting fixtures made with resin materials aredesigned to allow for quick, efficient, and inexpensive production. Thedesign of such resin-based lighting fixtures may not focus on, or evenallow for, full utilization of the aesthetics that resin-based materialscan provide. Along similar lines, many resin-based lighting fixtures aredesigned for mass production. Mass produced resin-based lightingfixtures, while being relatively inexpensive, can lack uniqueness. Otherlighting fixtures made with resin materials are so unique that theytypically cannot be mass produced on any appreciable level without,making such unique lighting fixtures costly.

Furthermore, some lighting fixtures made with resin materials requirenumerous hardware components and/or complicated hardware andinstallation procedures. Such hardware can be visible and unsightly.Indeed, the mounting hardware of some conventional resin-based lightingfixtures may be unappealing to designers and architects seeking toobtain a certain aesthetic by using resin-based products.

Accordingly, there are a number of disadvantages in resin-based lightingfixtures that can be addressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more implementations of the present invention solve one or moreof the foregoing or other problems with resin-based lighting fixturesthat help magnify the aesthetic features of resin-based materialsincluded therein. For example, one or more implementations of thepresent invention include resin-based lighting fixtures that reduce oreliminate the visibility of hardware. Additionally, one or moreimplementations include methods of forming resin-based lighting fixturesthat allow for the production of unique, aesthetically pleasing, and yetcost effective resin-based lighting fixtures. In particular, one or moreimplementations include resin-based lighting fixtures having ablossom-shape and leaves or petals made from thermoformed resin sheets.

For example, an implementation of a lighting fixture can include a lightsocket and a plurality of resin propellers positioned about a lightsource. Each of the resin propellers can comprise a ring and one or moreresin strips extending from the ring. One or more of the resin stripscan be non-planar. Additionally, the resin strips can at least partiallyconceal the light source.

In addition to the foregoing, an implementation of a method of forming aresin-based lighting fixture can involve cutting a plurality of resinpropellers from a resin sheet. Each of the resin propellers can comprisea mounting ring and one or more resin strips extending outward from themounting ring. The method can also involve heating the resin propellers.The method can then involve shaping one or more of the resin strips.Furthermore, the method can involve assembling the resin propellersabout a mounting fixture by inserting the mounting fixture through themounting ring of each resin propeller.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of theinvention will be set forth in the description which follows, and inpart will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantagesof such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of theinstruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. These and other features will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that thefigures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structureor function are generally represented by like reference numerals forillustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a blossom-shaped resin-basedlighting fixture in accordance with an implementation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an elevational view of the blossom-shaped resin-basedlighting fixture of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the blossom-shaped resin-basedlighting fixture of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the blossom-shaped resin-basedlighting fixture of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an overview schematic diagram for producing a shapedresin-propellers of a resin-based lighting fixture in accordance one ormore implementations of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a resin propeller having a single resinstrip in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of another resin propeller having threeresin strips in accordance with an implementation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of yet another resin propeller having fourresin strips in accordance with an implementation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a resin propeller having spade-shapedresin strips in accordance with an implementation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a resin propeller having palm-shapedresin strips in accordance with an implementation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a resin propeller havingcircular-shaped resin strips in accordance with an implementation of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a resin propeller havingrectangular-shaped resin strips in accordance with an implementation ofthe present invention

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of another resin-based lighting fixturein accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of yet another resin-based lightingfixture in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an additional resin-based lightingfixture in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of yet an additional resin-basedlighting fixture in accordance with an implementation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a still another resin-based lightingfixture in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;and

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of a series of acts in a method offorming a resin-based lighting fixture in accordance with animplementation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed toward resin-based lighting fixturesthat help magnify the aesthetic features of resin-based materialsincluded therein. For example, one or more implementations of thepresent invention include resin-based lighting fixtures that reduce oreliminate the visibility of hardware. Additionally, one or moreimplementations include methods of forming resin-based lighting fixturesthat allow for the production of unique, aesthetically pleasing, and yetcost effective resin-based lighting fixtures. In particular, one or moreimplementations include resin-based lighting fixtures having ablossom-shape and leaves or petals made from thermoformed resin sheets.

One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that one or moreimplementations of the present invention can provide aestheticallypleasing light fixtures. For instance, one or more implementationsinclude resin-based lighting fixtures that are hand shaped inaesthetically pleasing configurations. Furthermore, the resin-basedlight fixtures can help magnify the aesthetic features of the resinmaterials used to form the light fixtures. Indeed, one or moreimplementations help magnify the form, texture, and transparency of theresin materials. In addition, one or more implementations reduce oreliminate the visibility of hardware that could otherwise detract fromthe aesthetics provided by the resin materials.

For example, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate various views of a resin-basedlighting fixture 100 in accordance with an implementation of the presentinvention. As shown by FIGS. 1-4, the resin-based lighting fixture 100can include a plurality of resin strips 102 secured to a mountingfixture 104 about a light source 106. As an initial matter, the terms“resin,” or “resin-based,” as used herein, refer to panels, strips orpropellers, comprising a substrate of one or more layers or sheetsformed from thermoplastic polymers (or alloys thereof). Specifically,such materials can include, but are not limited to, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate with glycol-modification(PETG), acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polycarbonate(PC), styrene, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyolefins (low and highdensity polyethylene, polypropylene), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),cellulose-based polymers (cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate orcellulose propionate), or the like.

The resins strips 102 of the resin-based lighting fixture 100 cancomprise one or more combinations or alloys of the above-listedthermoplastic materials. As a preliminary matter, implementations of thepresent invention are described herein primarily with reference to resinstrips. One will appreciate, however, that the strips of the lightingfixtures of one or more implementations can include materials other thanresin. For example, one or more strips of a given lighting fixture caninclude wood, stone, fiberglass, or the like.

Furthermore, the resin strips 102 can comprise one or more layers ofresin or other materials. For example, in one or more implementations,the resin strips 102 can include a decorative inter-layer, as explainedin greater detail below. The decorative inter-layer can provide theresin-based lighting fixture 100 with desirable aesthetic qualities. Inaddition to, or in place of, a decorative image layer, the resin strips102 can be transparent, translucent, or opaque, depending upon thedesired aesthetic. Furthermore, the resin strips 102 can include color,or can have a clear configuration.

The resin strips 102 can have a gauge from as thin as about one-eighthinch (⅛″) or one quarter inch (¼″), or thinner, to as thick as about oneand one-half inches (1½″) to about two inches (2″), or thicker,depending on the end-user's designs. In general, thicker gauges tend tobe sturdier and more expensive than thinner gauges. In accordance withone or more implementations, the resin strips can have thinner gauges,such as anywhere from about one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16″) to aboutthree-eighths inch (⅜″).

As shown by FIGS. 1-4, the resin strips 102 can extend about a lightsource 106. The light source 106 can comprise a light bulb as shown inFIGS. 1-4. In particular, the light source can comprise incandescentlights, fluorescent lights, or light-emitting-diodes (“LEDs”). In anyevent, the light source 106 can illuminate the resin strips 102 andprovide a desirable aesthetic affect in addition to acting as a sourceof light.

The resin strips 102 can have a shape and/or curvature to provide theresin-based lighting fixture with a desirable aesthetic. For example,FIGS. 1-4 illustrate resin strips 102 formed as petals or leaves suchthat the resin-based lighting fixture 100 has the shape or configurationof a blossom. In additional implementations, however, the resin-basedlighting fixture 100 can have alternative shapes or configurations, suchas, for example, flowers, ribbons, etc. As shown by FIG. 4, in one ormore implementations each resin strip 102 can include differentcurvature, shape, and/or size from the other resin strips 102.Alternatively, some or all of the resin strips 102 can have the samecurvature, shape, and/or size as the other resin strips 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the resin-based lighting fixture100. As shown, the resin-based lighting fixture 100 can include a lightsocket 104, a plurality of propellers 108, a locking mechanism 112, anda light source 106. FIG. 4 further illustrates that each resin strip 102can form part of a resin propeller 108. Each resin propeller 108 caninclude a ring 110 and one or more resin strips 102 extending therefrom. In one or more implementations, the rings 110 of the resinpropellers 108 can secure the resin strips 102 to a mounting fixturewithout the need for other hardware. Thus, in one or moreimplementations when fully assembled most, if not all, mounting hardwarecan be concealed from view.

The resin-based lighting fixture 100 can include any number ofpropellers 108. For example, FIG. 4 shows that the resin-based lightingfixture 100 includes six propellers 108. In alternative implementations,the resin-based lighting fixture 100 can include seven to ten propellers108, or more. In further implementations, the resin-based lightingfixture 100 can include less than six propellers 108. One willappreciate that a manufacturer can select the number of propellers 108based on a desired shape or configuration for the resin-based lightingfixture 100.

In addition to the number of propellers 108, the shape and form of theresin propellers 108 can vary. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates that amanufacturer can form each of the resin propellers 108 with varyingcurvature. Furthermore, the resin propellers 108 can additionally havevarying sizes. For instance, FIG. 4 illustrates that the resinpropellers 108 closest to the light socket 104 are larger than thosefarther from the light socket 104. This can allow the larger propellers108 to fold over the smaller propellers 108.

In one or more implementations, a manufacturer can fold or form theresin propellers 108 and resin strips 102 in a manner to at leastpartially, or fully, conceal the light source 106. The resin strips 102,however, can be flexible, and thus, allow a user to reposition them toaccess the light source 106. Thus, the resin strips 102 can provide anaesthetic function of concealing hardware of the resin-based lightingfixture 100, without compromising the functional need to gain access tothe light source 106.

To assemble the resin-based lighting fixture 100, a manufacturer canplace the rings 110 of the resin propellers 108 about the light socket104. In so doing, the manufacturer can rotate and otherwise position theresin propellers 108 relative to each other to provide a desiredaesthetic. The manufacturer can then secure the locking mechanism 112 tothe threads 105 of the light socket 104, thereby securing the resinpropellers 108 to the light socket 104. Thereafter, the manufacturer cansecure the light source (e.g., light bulb 106) within the light socket104.

In the illustrated implementation, the light socket 104 includes a malemember with external threads. The manufacturer places the male memberwithin the rings 110 of the resin propellers 108 and then secures thelocking mechanism 112 to the male member. In this instance, the lockingmember 112 comprises a ring with internal threads. One will appreciatethat in alternative implementations both the light socket 104 and thelocking mechanism 112 can have other configurations. For example, thelocking mechanism 112 can include a male component, while the lightsocket 104 includes a female component. Furthermore, instead of athreaded connection, the light socket 104 and the locking mechanism 112can have a snap fit, or other engagement configuration. In any event,the locking mechanism 112 can secure the resin propellers 108 to thelight socket 104.

In one or more alternative implementations, a manufacturer can use amounting fixture other than a light socket 104 to couple the resinpropellers 108 together. In such implementations, the mounting fixturecan extend through the rings 110 of the resin propellers 108 and a lightsocket or a light source can be coupled to the mounting fixture. In atleast one implementation, the mounting fixture can comprise an elongatedmounting member that allows the manufacturer to space the resinpropellers 108 apart and provide a larger and/or fuller configuration.Thus, the resin propellers 108 can be spaced apart in someimplementations in contrast to the resin-based lighting fixture 100where each of the rings 110 are sandwiched together when assembled(FIGS. 1-3).

Referring now to FIG. 5, a method of forming the resin propellers 108will be explained. A manufacturer can start with a resin sheet 114. Theresin sheet 114 can comprise any number of resin layers or decorativelayers. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates that the resin sheet 114 caninclude outer resin layers 114 a, 114 b and an inner decorative layer116. The decorative inter-layer can comprise fabric, metallic wire, rodand/or bar, papers, or photographic images. In yet additionalimplementations, the decorative inter-layer can comprise any organic,inorganic, naturally occurring, or synthetic materials such as rocks,crushed glass, minerals, leaves, twigs, branches, grasses, bambooshoots, willow, thatch reed, solidified resins, metallic objects,vegetation, and so forth.

To form the resin propellers 108 from the resin sheet 114, amanufacturer can first choose the size and shapes of the resinpropellers 108 and associated resin strips 102. The manufacturer canthen lay out the shapes on a resin sheet 114. The manufacturer can thencut the resin propellers 108 out of the resin sheet 114. In someimplementations, the manufacturer can perform these acts by hand. Inalternative implementations, the manufacturer can use a CNC (computernumerically controlled) machine that maximizes the number of resinpropellers 108 to be cut from each resin sheet 114. In yet furtherimplementations, the resin propellers 108 can comprise, or be cut from,resin scraps from other projects.

The resin sheets 114 from which a manufacturer can cut the resinpropellers 108 can comprise any of the thermoplastic materials describedherein above. Furthermore, the resin sheets 114 may have a thickness orgauge of about two inches (2″), about one inch (1″), about one-half inch(½″), about one-fourth inch (¼″), about one-eighth inch (⅛″), aboutone-sixteenth inch ( 1/16″), or about one-thirty-second inch ( 1/32″).

After cutting the unshaped resin propellers 108 a from a resin sheet,the manufacturer can then heat the resin propellers 108 a. As shown byFIG. 5, the manufacturer can heat the resin propellers 108 a in oven116. Alternatively or additionally, the manufacturer can heat the resinpropellers 108 in a lamination press, autoclave, vacuum bag, or otherthermosetting environment. In any event, the manufacturer can heat theresin propellers 108 a until they are pliable. One will appreciate thatthe temperatures to which the manufacturer heats the resin propellers108 can be dependent upon the particular resins used to form the resinpropellers 108. For example, in implementations in which copolyester(e.g., PETG) is used, the manufacturer can place the resin propellers108 a in an oven preheated to a temperature of about 350° F. for aboutone minute. In alternative implementations, the manufacturer can heatthe resin propellers to a temperature of between about 180° F. and about275° F., such as to a temperature of about 225° F. In any event, themanufacturer can heat the resin propellers 108 a to a temperature nearor above their glass transition temperature.

Upon heating the resin propellers 108 a, the manufacturer can pass thepropellers 108 a through a shaping operation 118. During the shapingoperation, the manufacturer can impart curvature or other non-lineargeometry to one or more resin strips 102 of the propellers 108 a. Forexample, the manufacturer can provide each resin strip 102 with varyingdegrees of flip.

In one or more implementations, the manufacturer can shape the resinstrips 102 by hand. One will appreciate in light of the disclosureherein that shaping the resin strips 102 by hand can provide eachresin-based lighting fixture with a unique configuration. In alternativeimplementations, the manufacture can shape the resin strips 102 bypressing the head resin strips 102 against, or between mold(s). In anyevent, the manufacturer can provide one or more of the resin strips 102with curvature or other non-planar geometry. After the shaped resinpropellers 108 have cooled, the manufacturer can then use them toassemble a resin-based lighting fixture in the manner described hereinabove.

As mentioned previously, the resin-based lighting fixture 100 may haveany number of configurations and shapes, such as a blossom or flower, ora more abstract configuration. The configuration and style of theresin-based lighting fixture 100 can be based at least partially on theshape and number of resin propellers 108. Thus, a manufacturer canselect the size, number, and shape of the resin propellers 108 and resinstrips 102 in order to produce a particularly shaped resin-basedlighting fixture.

As previously mentioned, the resin propellers 108 can have differentsizes. For instance, FIG. 4 illustrates larger propellers near the lightsocket 104 and smaller propellers near the light source 106. The resinpropellers 108 of the present invention can include resin strips 102having a wide variety of sizes. Each resin propeller 108 illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 includes two resin strips 102 having the same size. Inalternative implementations, a single propeller 108 can include resinstrips 102 having differing sizes.

Additionally, while the resin propellers 108 of FIGS. 1-5 include tworesin strips 102 each, the present invention is not so limited. Resinpropellers 108 of the present invention can include any number of resinstrips 102. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a propeller 108 b having asingle resin strip 102. FIG. 7 illustrates a propeller 108 c havingthree resin strips 102. While FIG. 8 illustrates a propeller 108 dhaving four resin strips 102. In additional implementations, the resinpropellers 108 can include five, six, or more resin strips 102.

In addition to having varying sizes and numbers, the resin strips 102 ofthe present invention can also include various shapes andconfigurations. As previously discussed, the resin strips 102 shown anddescribed in reference to FIGS. 1-8 have a petal or leaf shape. Inalternative implementations, the resin propellers 108 can have othershapes and configurations, such as those shown in FIGS. 9-12. Forexample, FIG. 9 illustrates a propeller 108 e having spade-shaped resinstrips 102 a. FIG. 10 illustrates a propeller 108 f having palm-shapedresin strips 102 b. FIG. 11 illustrates a propeller 108 g havingcircular-shaped resin strips 102 c. Finally, FIG. 12 illustrates apropeller 108 h having rectangular-shaped resin strips 102 d. Thus, onewill appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the resinpropellers 108 can comprise any number, size, and/or shape of resinstrips 102.

Addition to the resin strips 102, the rings or mounting rings 110 of thepropellers 108 can have various shapes and sizes. For example, FIGS.6-11 illustrate circular rings 110, while FIG. 12 illustrates a squarering 110 a. Furthermore, the rings 110 can be the same gauge as theresin strips 102 or be thicker to provide spacing between the propellers108.

One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that amanufacturer can vary the shape and configuration of the resin-basedlighting fixture 100 by varying the shape, curvature, and/or number ofpropellers 108 and associated resin strips 102. For example, FIGS. 13-16illustrate four different resin-based lighting fixtures 200, 300, 400,and 500 each including a plurality of shaped resin strips 102 securedabout a mounting fixture (i.e., light socket 104). As shown, the abilityto manipulate and shape the resin strips 102 allows a manufacturer tocreate a wide variety of different shapes and configurations, blossomsor otherwise.

Each of the resin-based lighting fixtures 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 shownand described herein above includes a pendant or hanging lightconfiguration. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure hereinthat the present invention is not so limited. In alternativeimplementations, the resin-based lighting fixtures can comprisechandeliers, wall sconces, lamps, lights of ceiling fans, outdoorlighting, etc. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a lamp lighting fixtures600 including a plurality of resin strips 102 formed as a blossom abouta light source and attached to a lamp stand 602.

One will appreciate that a manufacturer can design or configure aresin-based lighting fixture in almost limitless configurations usingthe principles of the present invention. For example, a manufacturer canmodify the color and opacity/translucence of the resin strips 102 in anynumber of ways to adjust the opacity/transparency of the resin-basedlighting fixture for desired aesthetic effect. In at least oneimplementation, a manufacturer can modify the hue, color intensity, andlight transmission of the resin strips 102 and/or the decorativeinter-layer 116 to vary the resultant aesthetic properties of theresin-based lighting fixture. Accordingly, one or more implementationsof the present invention provide a manufacturer with a number of ways toprepare an aesthetically desirable resin-based lighting fixture. Theseresin-based lighting fixtures can have a wide range of shapes, sizes,thicknesses, properties or colors, and can be used in a wide range ofenvironments and applications.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-17, the corresponding text, provide a number ofdifferent components and mechanisms for aesthetically pleasingresin-based lighting fixtures. In addition to the foregoing,implementations of the present invention can also be described in termsof flowcharts comprising acts and steps in a method for accomplishing aparticular result. For example, FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of oneexemplary method for producing a resin-based lighting fixture 100, 200,300, 400, 500, 600 using principles of the present invention. The actsof FIG. 18 are described below with reference to the components anddiagrams of FIGS. 1 through 17.

For example, FIG. 18 shows that a method of creating a resin-basedlighting fixture 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 comprises an act 700 ofcutting resin propellers from a resin sheet. For example, act 700 caninvolve cutting a plurality of resin propellers 108 from a resin sheet114. Each of the resin propellers 108 can comprise a mounting ring 110and one or more resin strips 102, 102 a-d extending outward from themounting ring 110.

In addition, FIG. 18 shows that the method can comprise an act 702 ofheating the resin propellers 108 a-h. Act 702 can include heating theresin propellers 108 a-h to a processing temperature approximately equalto the glass transition temperature of the resin material(s) of theresin propellers 108 a-h. For example, a manufacturer can heat the resinpropellers 108 a-h to a temperature of between about 180° F. and about400° F., such as a temperature of about 350° F. or about 225° F. Themanufacturer can heat the resin propellers 108 a-h in an oven,lamination press, autoclave, vacuum bag, or other thermosettingenvironment.

FIG. 18 also shows that the method comprises an act 704 of shaping theresin strips of the resin propellers. Act 704 can include shaping one ormore of the resin strips 102, 102 a-d, only some of the resin strips102, 102 a-d, or all of the resin strips 102, 102 a-d of each resinpropeller 108 a-h. The method can include shaping the resin strips 102,102 a-d by hand, using a mold, or other mechanism. Act 704 can involveproviding each 102, 102 a-d with a unique or the same curvature.

In addition to the foregoing, FIG. 18 shows that the method can comprisean act 706 of assembling the resin propellers about a mounting fixture.Act 706 can involve assembling the resin propellers 108 a-h about amounting fixture (such as a light socket 104) by inserting the mountingfixture through the mounting ring 110 of each resin propeller 108 a-h.Additionally, act 706 can involve arranging the one or more resin strips108 a-h into a blossom or flower configuration.

Accordingly, the schematics and methods described herein provide anumber of unique products, as well as ways for creating aestheticallypleasing, decorative, resin-based lighting fixtures. As discussedherein, these resin-based lighting fixtures or example reduce oreliminate the visibility of hardware. One or more implementationsinclude resin-based lighting fixtures having a blossom-shape and leavesor petals made from thermoformed resin sheets.

The present invention may thus be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

I claim:
 1. A method of forming a lighting fixture, comprising: cuttinga plurality of resin propellers from a resin sheet, each of the resinpropellers comprising a mounting ring and one or more resin stripsextending outward from the mounting ring; heating the resin propellers;shaping one or more of the resin strips; and assembling the resinpropellers about a mounting fixture by inserting the mounting fixturethrough the mounting ring of each resin propeller thereby forming thelighting fixture.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising arranging the one or more resin strips into a blossom orflower configuration.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, whereinheating the resin propellers comprises heating the resin propellers to atemperature approximately equal to a glass transition temperature of theresin propellers.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein: theresin propellers comprise PETG; and heating the resin propellerscomprises placing the resin propellers in an oven preheated to about350° F. for a period of about one minute.
 5. The method as recited inclaim 1, further comprising securing a locking mechanism about themounting fixture.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising pressing the one or more resin strips against a mold.
 7. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein shaping the one or more resinstrips comprises imparting a curvature to the one or more resin stripsby hand.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprisingsecuring a light source to the mounting fixture.